French president Emmanuel Macron has claimed that he convinced Donald Trump to keep US forces in Syria “for the long term” during the run-up to air strikes on Syrian weapons sites by French, US and UK forces on Saturday.
“Ten days ago, President Trump said the USA’s will is to disengage from Syria,” Macron said during a TV interview. “We convinced him that it was necessary to stay. Please be reassured we’ve convinced him that we had to stay on in the long-term.”
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Last week, Trump warned Russia of the impending air strikes on Twitter, saying: “Get ready, Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and 'smart'. You shouldn't be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!”
However, reports Fox News, the White House says it has not changed its position on withdrawing US forces from the ongoing conflict in Syria.
“The US mission has not changed,” said White House press secretary Sarah Sanders. “The president has been clear that he wants US forces to come home as quickly as possible.”
She added: “In addition, we expect our regional allies and partners to take greater responsibility both militarily and financially for securing the region.”
The US currently has about 2,000 personnel in Eastern Syria, says the BBC, “supporting an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias called the Syrian Democratic Forces”.